Mean vs. Median in Data Sets

This lesson covers the concepts of mean and median, using examples like presidential heights to illustrate when each measure is appropriate. Activities include calculating mean and median from class data and understanding the impact of outliers. A card activity helps students explore symmetry and data distribution. The lesson concludes with homework instructions.

What is the primary difference between mean and median?

• Mean is the middle value, median is the average.

• Mean is always larger than median.

• Mean is the average, median is the middle value.

• Mean and median are always equal.

What happens to the mean when a data set has a large number of high values?

• The mean decreases.

• The mean increases.

• The mean becomes the median.

• The mean remains the same.

In the context of the class height data, what happens to the mean when a very tall person is added?

• The mean becomes the median.

• The mean increases.

• The mean remains the same.

• The mean decreases.

How does adding both the tallest and shortest individuals to a data set affect the median?

• The median increases.

• The median remains unchanged.

• The median decreases.

• The median becomes the mean.

What is the effect of a single outlier on the mean of a data set?

• It makes the mean equal to the median.

• It only affects the median.

• It can significantly change the mean.

• It has no effect.

What characteristic of a data set makes the mean and median similar?

• The data set is skewed.

• The data set is symmetrical.

• The data set is asymmetrical.

• The data set has outliers.

When is it more appropriate to use the median over the mean?

• When the data set is asymmetrical.

• When the data set is symmetrical.

• When the data set is small.

• When the data set has no outliers.

In a symmetrical data set, how do the mean and median compare?

• The median is always greater.

• The mean is always greater.

• They are unrelated.

• They are approximately equal.

Why might the median be a better measure than the mean in some cases?

• The median is always larger.

• The median is unaffected by outliers.

• The median is easier to calculate.

• The median is always smaller.

What is a key takeaway about using mean and median from the summary?

• Mean and median are interchangeable.

• The choice depends on data symmetry.

• Median is always better than mean.

• Mean is always better than median.